Shimano Performance Winter Bib Tights

Shimano Bib Tights

Shimano are a Japanese manufacturer primarily known for their cycling components, and to a lesser extent shoes and clothing. Founded in 1921, Shimano is widely believed to be the largest cycling component manufacturer in the world, having reached this status through a combination of innovation, reliability and value for money. Whatever your style of riding, whether it be road or MTB, Shimano will have a component range to suit your level and budget, from the low end Alivio and Tiagra to the professional standard XTR and Dura-Ace. Over the years, Shimano have revolutionised bicycle gear, brake and pedal systems, such as the recessed SPD, Hollowtech crank arms and smooth shifting Hyperglide sprockets. Initially their component range faced competition from Suntour, whereas nowadays their primary rivals for market share are SRAM and Campagnolo. If you wish to save money on their components and apparel, please visit my Shimano section, where I list as many money saving deals as I can find.

For additional information on Shimano's cycling equipment, please visit either http://cycle.shimano-europe.com/ or their wikipedia page - this includes information on Shimano's history, including non-cycling equipment.

Ribble Cycles - since 1897!

Ribble Cycles are one of the oldest bike shops in the world, starting in 1897 in Preston, Lancashire, and are perhaps best known for their exceptional value own brand road bikes.

In 1987 (just the 90 years after forming!) they started a mail order side to their business, which helped them to expand - and as per the rest of their competition, launched their website in 2001. In order to deal with the increase in business, the company moved to Bamber Bridge, which resulted in the closure of their Watery Lane shop, and eventual upsizing to yet another warehouse in Leach Place.

In terms of actual cycling, Ribble have historically sponsored some of the most iconic riders in UK and world cycling history; Chris Boardman and Bradley Wiggins have both successfully competed on Ribble bikes. Other noted riders include the ladies Barcelona 92 Time trial team, the 1990's RT Italia race team and Steph Forrester at the Sydney Olympics. In short, they like to support the sport that they trade in!

You can read up more on Ribble's history on their website.